Acting on a tip-off around 8.30 pm, a patrolling unit from the Mhow Range intercepted unusual activity near Nandiwar village. When officers reached the spot, they found the group sitting around a fire deep inside the protected forest. One suspect allegedly tried to discard an object in the bushes, which later turned out to be a weapon. A subsequent search led to the recovery of the firearm, a sword and five cartridges.
The men were identified as Devkaran, Vikas, Mohit, Sekhar, Visaprem and Ravi from Katkat Kheri, along with Lokesh from Malendi, who was also taken into custody. Officials said the zone is a known leopard habitat and also falls under an upcoming tiger census area, heightening concerns about wildlife threats.
During questioning, the accused claimed they were searching for “ancestral buried wealth” and carried weapons only to protect themselves from wild animals. Forest officers dismissed the explanation, noting that no digging tools were found and that entering a protected forest with weapons itself constitutes a serious violation.
The seven were produced in Mhow court on Tuesday and granted bail. Ranger Nayan Palvi confirmed that a preliminary wildlife offence has been registered and further investigation will examine the intent behind their presence and the weapons seized.
The incident comes days after a leopard was found mutilated in the Double Chowki forest, prompting intensified night patrolling across the Indore Forest Division. “Any suspicious activity near forest areas is being taken seriously. An investigation is underway,” said Pradeep Mishra, DFO, Indore. Authorities have urged villagers to report any unusual movement as winter months typically see a rise in illegal hunting attempts.
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